ELMER Francisco, inheritor of one of the originators of automobile manufacturing in the country, Francisco Motor Company (FMC) is now CEO of the company his grandfather, Anastacio built 77 years ago.
Francisco recently unveiled his latest venture: a modern electric van aptly named the Harabas EV.
Inspired by the legacy of the original Harabas, an AUV built by General Motors, the new EV boasts a sleek, modern design reminiscent of popular commercial vans like the Ford Transit.
It promises a range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge, powered by an electric motor and a Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. With fast-charging capabilities, the Harabas EV aims to cater to various applications, including transportation, cargo, and even emergency services.
This new vehicle symbolizes FMC’s ambitious shift towards sustainable transportation, but it has not been without its fair share of controversy. Articles on reputable automotive sites like visor.ph and posts from netizens over Kotse.com sparked a wave of criticism and accusations.
The primary concern revolves around the vehicle’s design, with allegations of it being a near-exact replica of a Chinese model, the Wanxiang T02. This has sparked debates on many forums about originality, intellectual property, and the integrity of FMC’s claims of innovation. The name Harabas has also been already taken by Foton, with a commercial vehicle model also bearing that name.
Initially, FMC asserted that the Harabas EV was developed using components sourced from various countries, including the US, Germany, China, Taiwan, and Australia. Yet, the design similarity to the Chinese model has cast doubt on the transparency of FMC’s development process and the true origin of the vehicle’s components. The company’s initial emphasis on national pride and Filipino ingenuity further complicates the matter, leaving many to question the narrative surrounding the Harabas EV.
Adding to the uncertainty is the lack of clarity regarding the Harabas EV’s production timeline and pricing.
Francisco shrugged aside most of the criticisms by saying the comments and stories came from naysayers and “kalabans” (enemies) and did not respond directly to issues but did specifically say that there was no design infringement.
“Sa mga nagmamagaling, sige pa, hanap pa kayo ng kamukha ni HARABAS online at siraan nyo pa ako at ang Francisco Motors. Wala akong pakialam sa inyo at inggit lang kayo dahil nakakapagsimulang muli ang Francisco Motors from the ground up at wala na kayong mabentang direkta nyong inaangkat mula sa ibang bansa dahil sa amin. Mayabang ako pero hindi ako sinungaling.” (To those who boast, go ahead, find someone who looks like HARABAS online and slander me and Francisco Motors. I don’t care about you and you are just jealous because Francisco Motors can start again from the ground up and you have nothing to sell directly from other countries because of us. I’m arrogant but I’m not a liar.)
While a prototype has been allegedly been built and will be ready for a road test, concrete details about its availability and affordability remain elusive. This has fueled skepticism among potential buyers and industry observers, who are now cautiously awaiting further information from FMC.
As the controversy unfolds, and the pursuit of innovation is commendable, maintaining transparency and upholding ethical practices are equall y important. Only time will tell whether Francisco and FMC can overcome these hurdles and deliver on their promises, or if the Harabas EV will become a cautionary tale in the annals of Filipino automotive history.
